The German-Russian Agreement During WW2 – A Brief History

The German-Russian agreement, also known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, was an agreement signed on August 23, 1939 between Germany and the Soviet Union. This non-aggression pact was signed just a week before the start of World War II and is considered to be one of the most controversial agreements in history, as it paved the way for the eventual invasion of Poland.

The agreement was signed by the foreign ministers of both countries, Joachim von Ribbentrop for Germany and Vyacheslav Molotov for the Soviet Union. The agreement contained a secret protocol which divided Poland and other territories in Eastern Europe between the two countries. This division of power was meant to avoid a full-scale war between Germany and the Soviet Union, which were both on a collision course fueled by their own expansionist agendas.

However, the agreement also included a clause stating that if one of the countries was attacked by a third party, the other country would not assist. This clause later became the basis for Hitler`s invasion of Poland, which marked the beginning of World War II.

The German-Russian agreement had far-reaching consequences. It allowed Hitler to avoid a two-front war, as he was able to focus his forces on Western Europe while the Soviet Union remained neutral. It also paved the way for the eventual invasion of the Soviet Union, known as Operation Barbarossa, in 1941.

The agreement remained in force until June 22, 1941, when Hitler broke the pact and launched the invasion of the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union`s entry into the war was a turning point that eventually led to Hitler`s defeat.

The German-Russian agreement remains controversial to this day, with some critics arguing that it gave Hitler the green light to invade Poland and start World War II. Others argue that it was a necessary move to avoid a full-scale war between Germany and the Soviet Union, which could have had catastrophic consequences for both countries.

In conclusion, the German-Russian agreement was a significant event in the lead-up to World War II. While controversial, it remains an important part of history, highlighting the dangers of appeasement and the importance of international diplomacy in preventing conflict.